Intel Readies Core i7-875K Processor with Unlocked Multiplier.

In a bid to address the market of enthusiasts with a non-Extreme Edition processor, Intel plans to release Core i7-875K chip with unlocked multiplier, a mainboard maker has revealed. The central processing unit will be the most advanced chip for LGA1156 platform and will not be truly affordable.

Intel Core i7-875K processor will have the same specifications as the model 870: it will operate at 2.93GHz, will feature four cores with Hyper-Threading technology, sport 8MB of L3 cache and will be made using 45nm process technology. The only difference between the two central processing units (CPUs) will be unlocked multiplier on the 875K chip, which will allow overclockers and enthusiasts to easily boost clock-speed of the product without necessity to overclock other parts of their systems.

Recently Intel promised to start selling chips with unlocked multiplier that do not cost $1000 per unit. Historically, neither Intel nor AMD accepted overclocking since this could damage their chips in many cases. However, when both Advanced Micro Devices and Intel started to sell processors designed for extreme performance enthusiasts, they had to admit that such chips are often used at clock-speeds that by far exceed the official ones. As a result, both AMD and Intel have been shipping their chips for overclockers – Extreme Edition, Black Edition, FX-series – with unlocked multiplier for about seven years now. AMD started to offer its Black Edition chips with unlocked multiplier and moderate price back in 2007 and it Intel plans to follow its smaller rival this year.

Nevertheless, the Core i7-875K processor will hardly be affordable. The less advanced model 870 costs $562 and the unit with unlocked multiplier will naturally cost a little more.

Discussion

Historically, neither Intel nor AMD accepted overclocking since this could damage their chips in many cases. However, when both Advanced Micro Devices and Intel started to sell processors designed for extreme performance enthusiasts, they had to admit that such chips are often used at clock-speeds that by far exceed the official ones.